5. Nu Couche de Dos

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By Amedeo ModiglianiWorth: $26.9 million

The sale of this painting, for the enormous sum of $27 million, set a new record for a work by Modigliani. Similar to our entry at No. 10, it is immediately recognizable as a Modigliani. At the auction itself, and in subsequent commentary, people appeared mystified as to how this painting sold for as much as it did (it was estimated to sell for between $20 million to $25 million). It is an excellent example of Modigliani’s work, but still not the most expensive nude artwork ever sold.